Sentinel: Assigning Numbers to Favorites Lists/Channels via Sentinel is Confusing!

[rbritton1201]

When I attempt to do it via Sentinel, I can't seem to make the digits I enter via Sentinel to work when punching in the sequence to access a channel NUMBER within a Favorites List. Eventually, I just used the direct entry method by entering the information right into the scanner itself. Only then was I was able to get numbers to associated properly with Favorites Lists Channels. I could never find a concise explanation in any manual, including Mark's Scanners, or via You Tube, that demonstrated exactly where the entries are to be made to assign digits to assign NUMBERS to Favorites Lists/Channels within Sentinel. I think the confusion is caused by the way in which tabs are labeled within Sentinel, ie: Favorites Lists, Systems, Departments, Sites, Options, etc...With tabs entitled SITES and OPTIONS, it's confusing to know what to enter in those areas. The tabs don't resemble the conciseness of the direct entry method, where SITES and OPTIONS aren't even included as a selection category but seem to be sub-categories of other tabs.

The direct entry method uses the following sequence, and it works fine:

Press MENU
Press MANAGE FAVORITES
SELECT FAVORITES LIST
Press REVIEW EDIT SYSTEM
CHOOSE SYSTEM
Press EDIT DEPARTMENT
CHOOSE DEPARTMENT
Press EDIT CHANNEL
CHOOSE CHANNEL
Press SET CHANNEL TAG NUMBER
CHOOSE NUMBER
PRESS E BUTTON TO STORE

Does anybody know, from Start to Finish, how to program digits via the Sentinel program to assign NUMBERS to Favorites List channels that uses a straight forward progression like the direct entry method above?

 

[fxdscon]

Does anybody know, from Start to Finish, how to program digits via the Sentinel program to assign NUMBERS to Favorites List channels that uses a straight forward progression like the direct entry method above?

Favorites lists numbers are set in the favorites list editor under the channels tab:

 

[mc48]

The exact same way you have listed for in the scanner. Edit Favorites list>select fav>select system>select dept>select channel> add number tag.

 

[rbritton1201]

Yes, I'm aware of all the categories within the Sentinel program, but what confuses me is that almost all the categories have tabs entitled SITES and/or OPTIONS tabs, and I'm not sure if any entries are required under those tabs.

Favorites lists numbers are set in the favorites list editor under the channels tab:

View attachment 121846

 

[werinshades]

When I attempt to do it via Sentinel, I can't seem to make the digits I enter via Sentinel to work when punching in the sequence to access a channel NUMBER within a Favorites List. Eventually, I just used the direct entry method by entering the information right into the scanner itself. Only then was I was able to get numbers to associated properly with Favorites Lists Channels. I could never find a concise explanation in any manual, including Mark's Scanners, or via You Tube, that demonstrated exactly where the entries are to be made to assign digits to assign NUMBERS to Favorites Lists/Channels within Sentinel. I think the confusion is caused by the way in which tabs are labeled within Sentinel, ie: Favorites Lists, Systems, Departments, Sites, Options, etc...With tabs entitled SITES and OPTIONS, it's confusing to know what to enter in those areas. The tabs don't resemble the conciseness of the direct entry method, where SITES and OPTIONS aren't even included as a selection category but seem to be sub-categories of other tabs.

The direct entry method uses the following sequence, and it works fine:

Press MENU
Press MANAGE FAVORITES
SELECT FAVORITES LIST
Press REVIEW EDIT SYSTEM
CHOOSE SYSTEM
Press EDIT DEPARTMENT
CHOOSE DEPARTMENT
Press EDIT CHANNEL
CHOOSE CHANNEL
Press SET CHANNEL TAG NUMBER
CHOOSE NUMBER
PRESS E BUTTON TO STORE

Does anybody know, from Start to Finish, how to program digits via the Sentinel program to assign NUMBERS to Favorites List channels that uses a straight forward progression like the direct entry method above?

I think the confusion is to what you're asking to do. Are you trying to add Favorite List Numbers, or Number Tags? The numbering sequence is different, and if you're using the Number Tags, you have to press . in between the numbers. If you just want to turn a Favorite List on or off, it's 1 Enter, 2 Enter etc. What are you trying to do with your programming?

 

[fxdscon]

I think the confusion is to what you're asking to do. Are you trying to add Favorite List Numbers, or Number Tags? The numbering sequence is different, and if you're using the Number Tags, you have to press . in between the numbers. If you just want to turn a Favorite List on or off, it's 1 Enter, 2 Enter etc. What are you trying to do with your programming?

-
From his scanner menu direct entry list in his first post (which he states is working for him and accomplishes what he wants),

Press SET CHANNEL TAG NUMBER
CHOOSE NUMBER
PRESS E BUTTON TO STORE

it appears that he is setting a tag number for an individual channel in a favorites list.

He seems to be asking how to accomplish the same thing using Sentinel. Posts 2 and 3 above show clearly how to do that using Sentinel following the same logic as the direct entry from the scanner's menu. I don't understand the confusion either.

 

[werinshades]

-
From his scanner menu direct entry list in his first post (which he states is working for him and accomplishes what he wants),

it appears that he is setting a tag number for an individual channel in a favorites list.

He seems to be asking how to accomplish the same thing using Sentinel. Posts 2 and 3 above show clearly how to do that using Sentinel. I don't understand the confusion either.

If it's set up properly in the scanner, Read from Scanner will bring the programming into Sentinel. Once the number tag is assigned, it would be Favorite List Number: period....number. so if it is Favorite List 1, System 1: 1.1 Enter.

 

[drdispatch]

Yes, I'm aware of all the categories within the Sentinel program, but what confuses me is that almost all the categories have tabs entitled SITES and/or OPTIONS tabs, and I'm not sure if any entries are required under those tabs.

No.
Open the Favorites List Editor, select the System, select the Department, and under the Channels tab, go to the right and assign a number tag.
Note that Channel Number Tags are by System, not by Department.

 

[ofd8001]

The "address" for a channel in Number Tag system is a combination of: Favorites List Number Tag plus the System Number Tag plus the Channel Number Tag.

While editing a Favorites List in Sentinel, the Favorites List Number Tag is set in the Options tab on the right pane.

The System Number Tag is set in the Options tab on the right pane - just be sure the desired System is highlighted.

The Channel Number Tag is set as noted above while in the Department window.

Just to make life simple, I use the same digit for the Favorites List Number Tag as I do the Favorites List Quick Key. Same for System. The Channel Number Tag is something that helps me remember which channel it is.

Then after I get all the Favorites List, System and Channel Number Tags set as desired, I'll write that to the scanner.

When I want to "jump" to a channel using Number Tags, here are the steps:

1. Press Channel to stop scanning.
2. Key in the "address" being sure to put periods in (they are important separators) FLNT.SNT.CNT (This is similar to toggling Quick Keys, except the Enter (Eyes) button is NOT used.
3. Press Channel to complete the "jump" process.

 

[werinshades]

The "address" for a channel in Number Tag system is a combination of: Favorites List Number Tag plus the System Number Tag plus the Channel Number Tag.

While editing a Favorites List in Sentinel, the Favorites List Number Tag is set in the Options tab on the right pane.

The System Number Tag is set in the Options tab on the right pane - just be sure the desired System is highlighted.

The Channel Number Tag is set as noted above while in the Department window.

Just to make life simple, I use the same digit for the Favorites List Number Tag as I do the Favorites List Quick Key. Same for System. The Channel Number Tag is something that helps me remember which channel it is.

Then after I get all the Favorites List, System and Channel Number Tags set as desired, I'll write that to the scanner.

When I want to "jump" to a channel using Number Tags, here are the steps:

1. Press Channel to stop scanning.
2. Key in the "address" being sure to put periods in (they are important separators) FLNT.SNT.CNT (This is similar to toggling Quick Keys, except the Enter (Eyes) button is NOT used.
3. Press Channel to complete the "jump" process.

Now I know why I don't use Number Tags...

 

[rbritton1201]

I think the confusion is to what you're asking to do. Are you trying to add Favorite List Numbers, or Number Tags? The numbering sequence is different, and if you're using the Number Tags, you have to press . in between the numbers. If you just want to turn a Favorite List on or off, it's 1 Enter, 2 Enter etc. What are you trying to do with your programming?

I understand how to access a number. I'm referring to programming the "number" into the favorites list with respect to sub-tabs that are entitled Sites and/or Options under Systems, Departments, etc...within Sentinet.

 

[werinshades]

I understand how to access a number. I'm referring to programming the "number" into the favorites list with respect to sub-tabs that are entitled Sites and/or Options under Systems, Departments, etc...within Sentinet.

You're looking to program Favorite List Quick Keys, System Quick Keys and Department Quick Keys, Site Quick Keys into Sentinel? When you say Numbers, are you referring to Number Tags?

 

[mc48]

Number tags have nothing to do with sites or options, they simply take you directly to one specific channel in a system you are monitoring.
You need to press channel, then hit the Fav list number>dot> dept>dot>number tag then channel again (Example 0.0.291).
Quick keys use the option and dept. tabs, these are used to toggle favorite lists, systems, and Depts. on or off.

 

[ofd8001]

Number tags have nothing to do with sites or options, they simply take you directly to one specific channel in a system you are monitoring.
You need to press channel, then hit the Fav list number>dot> dept>dot>number tag then channel again (Example 0.0.291).
Quick keys use the option and dept. tabs, these are used to toggle favorite lists, systems, and Depts. on or off.

You set the Number Tag values in the OPTIONS tab on Favorites Lists and Systems. (Departments are not Number Tagged)

You also set the Quick Key values in the OPTIONS tab on Favorites Lists, Systems and Departments. (Quick Keys is where Departments come into play).

Number Tags are apples and Quick Keys are oranges when editing a Favorites List. If you program a Favorites List Quick Key, but have not programmed a Number Tag, you won't be able to navigate to the desired channel, unless you only have one Favorites List.

 

[rbritton1201]

So, it seems that OPTIONS and SITE tabs under DEPARTMENTS are NOT something that should be programmed if setting up NUMBERS TAGS within Sentinel, not that DEPARTMENT OPTIONS and/or SITE entries can't also be programmed. But, if entering values under the DEPARTMENT OPTIONS and/or SITE tabs, the NUMBERS TAG access sequence may not work unless everything correlates properly, and doesn't conflict with what is also programmed into Favorites Lists and System Lists Quick Key Options.

This is where I may have run into problems using Sentinel to program NUMBERS TAGS. Nowhere is this officially published where these potential conflicts may influence the programming of NUMBERS TAGS. You can very easily sabotage the proper programming of NUMBERS TAGS if you also assume you have to also program Department Quick Keys.

The "address" for a channel in Number Tag system is a combination of: Favorites List Number Tag plus the System Number Tag plus the Channel Number Tag.

While editing a Favorites List in Sentinel, the Favorites List Number Tag is set in the Options tab on the right pane.

The System Number Tag is set in the Options tab on the right pane - just be sure the desired System is highlighted.

The Channel Number Tag is set as noted above while in the Department window.

Just to make life simple, I use the same digit for the Favorites List Number Tag as I do the Favorites List Quick Key. Same for System. The Channel Number Tag is something that helps me remember which channel it is.
s
Then after I get all the Favorites List, System and Channel Number Tags set as desired, I'll write that to the scanner.

When I want to "jump" to a channel using Number Tags, here are the steps:

1. Press Channel to stop scanning.
2. Key in the "address" being sure to put periods in (they are important separators) FLNT.SNT.CNT (This is similar to toggling Quick Keys, except the Enter (Eyes) button is NOT used.
3. Press Channel to complete the "jump" process.

You set the Number Tag values in the OPTIONS tab on Favorites Lists and Systems. (Departments are not Number Tagged)

You also set the Quick Key values in the OPTIONS tab on Favorites Lists, Systems and Departments. (Quick Keys is where Departments come into play).

Number Tags are apples and Quick Keys are oranges when editing a Favorites List. If you program a Favorites List Quick Key, but have not programmed a Number Tag, you won't be able to navigate to the desired channel, unless you only have one Favorites List.

 

[ofd8001]

So, it seems that OPTIONS and SITE tabs under DEPARTMENTS are NOT something that should be programmed if setting up NUMBERS TAGS within Sentinel, not that DEPARTMENT OPTIONS and/or SITE entries can't also be programmed. But, if entering values under the DEPARTMENT OPTIONS and/or SITE tabs, the NUMBERS TAG access sequence may not work unless everything correlates properly, and doesn't conflict with what is also programmed into Favorites Lists and System Lists Quick Key Options.

This is where I may have run into problems using Sentinel to program NUMBERS TAGS. Nowhere is this officially published where these potential conflicts may influence the programming of NUMBERS TAGS. You can very easily sabotage the proper programming of NUMBERS TAGS if you also assume you have to also program Department Quick Keys.

Number Tags are not affected by Site or Department Options settings. Number Tags are completely independent of Quick Keys. Number Tags work whether or not Quick Keys are used. Conversely, Quick Keys work if there are no Number Tags.

The potential for confusion comes from the steps needed to "operate" (or make them do their thing) Quick Keys and Number Tags. There are similarities.

To toggle a Quick Key the steps are:
The scanner must be scanning
Press the sequence: Favorites List Quick Key PERIOD System Quick Key PERIOD Department Quick Key Eyes

To jump to a Number Tagged Channel the steps are:
Press Channel to stop scanning
Press the sequence: Favorites List Number Tag PERIOD System Number Tag PERIOD Channel Number Tag (No Eyes here)
Press Channel a second time which completes the action

It's a lot like tying shoes. When you are a child learning how to do it, it can be difficult. After you never give it a moment's thought.

I'm sure it is horribly difficult to write a user manual for modern scanners. We users have asked for many features, so that adds pages. A scanner can be purchased by someone who never owned one and has no idea how to work them. Or it could be purchased by someone who has had dozens of them over dozens of years experience. People's aptitudes are different too.

So that's why this forum exists - to answer those unanswered questions and act as a manual supplement.

 

[werinshades]

Number Tags are not affected by Site or Department Options settings. Number Tags are completely independent of Quick Keys. Number Tags work whether or not Quick Keys are used. Conversely, Quick Keys work if there are no Number Tags.

The potential for confusion comes from the steps needed to "operate" (or make them do their thing) Quick Keys and Number Tags. There are similarities.

To toggle a Quick Key the steps are:
The scanner must be scanning
Press the sequence: Favorites List Quick Key PERIOD System Quick Key PERIOD Department Quick Key Eyes

To jump to a Number Tagged Channel the steps are:
Press Channel to stop scanning
Press the sequence: Favorites List Number Tag PERIOD System Number Tag PERIOD Channel Number Tag (No Eyes here)
Press Channel a second time which completes the action

That's it! All that is needed now is the decision on the method of programming and here's the steps spelled out.